Retirees Help Keep Consignment Store's Workers Hopping

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

Bargains & Treasures In Summerfield Enjoys Brisk Business Thanks In Part To The Villages.

February 8, 2004|By Rosalind Jennings, Special to the Sentinel

Who knew the consignment furniture business could be so exciting?

When a business is situated near retirement communities -- especially The Villages -- that's how it goes.

Bargains & Treasures at 17860 S.E. 109th Ave., Summerfield, gets business from at least three counties: Lake, Sumter and Marion.

In fact, "sometimes it can get a little stressful here," said manager Monica Costello, 53.

"We'll have a line of customers at the register, and customers are even waiting on the sidewalks for the trucks to come in. They want it before we can even process the contracts."

The store operates through consignment. Some people are looking to sell, while others want to buy. Consigners get 55 percent from what is sold, and the store owners take 45 percent. Trucks bring furniture throughout the week.

Co-owner Justin Cannici, 61, said workers screen items carefully.

"It's only good stuff. We don't take anything else."

Steve Ayers, 57, is the original owner. He opened in 1998, and Cannici joined as partner a year later.

"He asked me to go in with him," Cannici said. "We were neighbors. I liked him and knew he knew what he was doing. I've learned a lot since I've been here."

Before opening the consignment store, Ayers traveled, selling merchandise such as Oriental rugs, furniture, antiques, art and jewelry for 30 years in Florida and the Southeast.

"I've always enjoyed a bargain, a good deal," Ayers said.

Cannici previously owned a day-care business.

The store has expanded from 2,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet, and owners still are looking to grow.

"We need more room here now," Cannici said. "We fill it up."

Costello said being in the right place at the right time has a great deal to do with the store's success.

"I believe in this area it's because of the transient nature of people. People are buying condos to lease, and a vacation home. They are constantly buying and selling, always recycling," Costello said.

"They also come from New York, buy a new home and come in here instinctively.